He was linked to the film back in April, when he was reported to be in talks to take over the lead role of an office worker who spends his time daydreaming, previously played by Danny Kaye.

Ben - who next stars in Neighbourhood Watch with Vince Vaughn - is no stranger to directing, having four films to his name - Reality Bites, The Cable Guy, Zoolander and Tropic Thunder.

The revamp of the iconic film has been in the pipeline since 1994, with several actors attached to play the lead, including Sacha Baron Cohen, Mike Myers, Jim Carrey and Owen Wilson.

At one stage Steven Spielberg was attached to direct, and the script has been in the hands of more than a dozen writers, including Peter Morgan, writer of award-winning films Frost/Nixon and The Queen.

The rights to the film - based on James Thurber's literary character - have also changed hands several times, and are currently owned by 20th Century Fox.

A January 2012 start date is being scheduled, after Ben completes Neighbourhood Watch.